If the windows of some downtown Waco storefronts seem artsier than usual this month, it’s intentional, thanks to the second appearance of Central Texas Artists’ Collective “Ekphrasis” art show.Ekphrasis, drawn from an ancient Greek term about a work of art commenting on another, marries visual imagery with verbal interpretation. In the case of the art exhibit, displayed in some 15 storefronts in the 600, 700 and 800 blocks of Austin and Washington Avenues, it stands for the combination of art and poetry.This year’s theme, “An Exploration of Mind, Body, Soul,” touches on mental health. The topic, with such related subjects as depression, suicidal tendencies and anxiety, attracted both visual artists and writers in Waco, said organizer and CTAC co-founder Steve Veracruz.“It holds a lot of meaning for a lot of people . . . It’s an issue we need to bring more awareness to, to get rid of some of the stigma . . . and make better communication,” he said.Forty artists and writers submitted pieces for this year’s show with paired works appearing in some 15 storefronts in downtown Waco. The show also features “Creative Overflow” at Klassy Glass, 723 Austin Ave., where several works, including several by Klassy Glass manager Alex Turnipseed, will be displayed, Veracruz said.Viewers can vote on their favorite pieces during First Friday activities downtown with an opening reception held Saturday night at Austin’s on the Avenue, 719 Austin Ave. That reception will feature music by singer-songwriter Kristin Breen, hip hop from Ryan Thomas, Cameron Cavalier and members of Hiz Houze, a local hip hop church, along with spoken word performances. Representatives from various Waco and McLennan County agencies that work with various aspects of mental health also will be present, Veracruz said.

Rather than the exhibit’s short six-day run in the state Capitol, the Waco showing will run through August, beginning Friday, and feature a month’s worth of arts-related classes, dinners and activities."

]]>Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:24:32 GMThttp://www.shaymacmorran.com/blog/waco52-article-in-the-baylor-lariat"For the entire month of August, the Waco 52 pop-up gallery will be honoring the culture of Waco through the inspired work of talented Waco artists. This exhibition has found its home at 712 Austin Ave. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, you can admire 52 art pieces that were delicately curated by Creative Waco, a nonprofit organization."

Visit creativewaco.org/waco52 to learn more about Waco 52, an exhibition that celebrates Waco and McLennan county and the artists that live, work, and thrive here. Waco 52 will be on display at 712 Austin Ave. from Aug. 4-31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.

I will be at the exhibit every Saturday in August. Stop by and say, "hi!"]]>Tue, 23 May 2017 13:48:58 GMThttp://www.shaymacmorran.com/blog/keep-an-eye-on-the-shopI'm currently re-working some older pieces as well as starting some new ones to drop in the Etsy store soon! Keep an eye out to catch something special! :)]]>Mon, 15 May 2017 13:40:29 GMThttp://www.shaymacmorran.com/blog/waco-52Waco 52 kicked off with an opening reception on Friday night at The State Capitol in Austin. It was nice to meet the other artists, and everyone who organized and supported the showing.

The show will be viewable in the ground-floor rotunda through May 17th, so if you're in the Austin area, please drop in and take a look. There are some gorgeous pieces in this show, all showcasing life in the Waco area.

I'm thrilled to announce that my piece: "Doris Miller" was accepted into the Waco 52 Exhibition curated by Creative Waco! I'm very excited about it and will post more info as I get it, on when/where you can visit the exhibition and get the card set!

I still have a few pieces hanging at Tea 2 Go here in downtown, Waco! Please stop by to take a look, and grab a cup of their amazing tea!

I also have a piece up at King's Landing here in Waco. If you haven't been there yet, get going! Their selection is unmatched, and the food is amazing.

I look forward to sharing more with you soon! Thanks again for stopping by!